Collapsible structures having enhancements

ABSTRACT

Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

RELATED CASES

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 09/562,724,entitled “Collapsible Structures Having Enhancements”, filed May 1,2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by this referenceas though set forth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and inparticular, to collapsible structures which include enhancements andother added features. The collapsible structures may be twisted andfolded to reduce the overall size of the structures to facilitateconvenient storage and use.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] There are presently many collapsible structures that are beingprovided for use by children and adults. Examples of these collapsiblestructures are illustrated in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No.5,816,954 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No.5,778,915 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No.5,975,101 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No.4,858,634 (McLeese), U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,592 (Norman), U.S. Pat. No.5,964,533 (Ziglar), U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,188 (Kellogg et al.), and U.S.Pat. No. 5,038,812 (Norman), among others. These collapsible structuresare supported by one or more frame members that can be twisted andfolded to reduce the overall size of the structure. These collapsiblestructures can be used in a wide variety of applications, such ascontainers, tents, play structures, executive toys, shelters, sportsstructures, and others. As a result, collapsible structures have becomevery popular.

[0006] Even though these collapsible structures exhibit surprisingversatility in their utility and wide-ranging applications, the consumeris always demanding greater enhancements, better and more features,added convenience, and other related factors. Thus, there remains a needto provide collapsible structures that have increased variety of play,entertainment value, and utility.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] The present invention provides collapsible structures havingenhancements and other features that impart additional utility oramusement value to the basic underlying structure. The structure of thepresent invention has one or more foldable frame members, with eachframe member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with afabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panelwhen the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, an electricalcomponent is attached to the fabric material, and an electrical couplingis connected to the electrical component.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, a two-dimensionalor three-dimensional object is attached to the fabric material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 1A is a partial cut-away view of the section A of thestructure of FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within asleeve.

[0012]FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred connectionbetween two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line2-2 thereof.

[0013]FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second preferred connectionbetween two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line2-2 thereof.

[0014] FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) illustrate how the collapsible structureof FIG. 1 may be twisted and folded for compact storage.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the collapsible structure of FIG.1 having additional enhancements and features.

[0016]FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view illustrating how a screen isattached to a panel.

[0017]FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear view illustrating how the screen ofFIG. 5 is attached to a panel.

[0018] FIGS. 7-14 are perspective views of collapsible structuresaccording to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0019]FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate how the structure of FIG. 14 may betwisted and folded for compact storage.

[0020]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting element thatcan be incorporated with the fabric of a panel of the structure of FIG.8.

[0022]FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a collapsible structureaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 19B illustrates a collapsible structure similar to that inFIG. 19A in use.

[0024]FIGS. 20 and 21A are perspective views of collapsible structuresaccording to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0025]FIGS. 21B and 21C illustrate the construction of the overlappingpanels in FIG. 21A;

[0026]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the frame member for aconventional figure-eight collapsible structure.

[0027]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a figure-eight collapsiblestructure according to the present invention incorporating the framemember of FIG. 22.

[0028] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate how the collapsible structure of FIG. 23may be twisted and folded for compact storage.

[0029] FIGS. 27-29 are perspective views of collapsible structuresaccording to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 30 illustrates how the structure of FIG. 29 may be twistedand folded for compact storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The following detailed description is of the best presentlycontemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. Thescope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0032] The collapsible structures according to the present invention areprovided with enhancements and other features that impart additionalutility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. Theseenhancements and features can include two-dimensional andthree-dimensional objects, books, graphics, electrical appliances andcomponents, computing devices, and interactive games, among others.

[0033]FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate a possible basic collapsible structure20 according to the present invention. According to the presentinvention, enhancements and features will be added to the structure 20of FIG. 1, and this will be illustrated in FIG. 4 and the otherembodiments herein. However, for purposes of simplifying thedescription, the structure 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3E in its mostbasic form without any enhancements or features.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the structure 20 has four side panels 22 a,22 b, 22 c and 22 d connected to each other to encircle an enclosedspace. Each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d has four sides, a leftside 26 a, a bottom side 26 b, a right side 26 c and a top side 26 d.Each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d has a continuous frameretaining sleeve 24 a, 24 b, 24 c or 24 d, respectively, provided alongand traversing the four edges of its four sides 26 a, 26 b, 26 c and 26d. A continuous frame member 28 a, 28 b, 28 c or 28 d is retained orheld within each frame retaining sleeve 24 a, 24 b, 24 c or 24 d,respectively, to support each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d. Onlythe frame member 28 c is shown in FIG. 1A; the other frame members 28 a,28 b and 28 d are not shown but are the same as frame member 28 c.

[0035] The continuous frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d may beprovided as one continuous loop, or may comprise a strip of materialconnected at both ends to form a continuous loop. The continuous framemembers 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d can be formed of flexible coilablesteel having a memory, although other materials such as plastics, or acombination of plastics and metal, may also be used. The frame membersshould be made of a material which is relatively strong and yet isflexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, eachframe member 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d is capable of assuming twopositions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as shown inFIG. 1, or a folded position in which the frame member is collapsed intoa size which is much smaller than its open position (see FIG. 3(E)). Itis also possible for the principles of the present invention to beutilized with frame members that do not have a memory characteristic(i.e., not foldable or coilable).

[0036] Fabric or sheet material 30 a, 30 b, 30 c and 30 d extends acrossportions of each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d, respectively, andis held taut by the respective frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 dwhen in its open position. The term fabric is to be given its broadestmeaning and should be made from strong, lightweight materials and mayinclude woven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films. The fabric should bewater-resistant and durable to withstand the wear and tear associatedwith rough treatment by children. The frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and28 d may be merely retained within the respective frame retainingsleeves 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 d, respectively, without being connectedthereto. Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and24 d may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to theframe members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d, respectively, to retain them inposition.

[0037]FIG. 2A illustrates one preferred connection for connectingadjacent edges of two side panels 22 a and 22 d of FIG. 1. The fabricpieces 30 a and 30 d are stitched at their edges by a stitching 34 tothe respective sleeves 24 a and 24 d. Each sleeve 24 a and 24 d may beformed by folding a piece of fabric. The stitching 34 also acts as ahinge for the side panels 22 a and 22 d to be folded upon each other, asexplained below. The connections for the three other pairs of adjacentedges may be identical. Thus, the connections on the left side 26 a andthe right side 26 c of each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d act ashinge connections for connecting an adjacent side panel.

[0038] At the top side 26 d and the bottom side 26 b of each side panel22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d in FIG. 1, where there is no hinge connectionto an adjacent side panel, the frame retaining sleeve 24 a, 24 b, 24 cor 24 d may be formed by merely folding over the corresponding fabricpiece and applying a stitching 35 (see FIG. 1A). The fabric piece forthe corresponding side panel may then be stitched to the sleeve.

[0039]FIG. 2B illustrates a second preferred connection for connectingadjacent edges of two side panels 22 a and 22 d of FIG. 1. As in theconnection of FIG. 2A, the fabric pieces 30 a and 30 d are folded overat their edges at bottom side 26 b and top side 26 d to define therespective sleeves 24 a and 24 d. However, the frame retaining sleeves24 a and 24 d converge at, or are connected to, one sleeve portion whichinterconnects side panels 22 a and 22 d to form a singular frameretaining sleeve 40 which retains the frame members 28 a and 28 d.Sleeve 40 of FIG. 2B may be formed by providing a tubular fabric, or byfolding a piece of fabric, and applying a stitching 42 to its edges toconnect the sleeve 40 to the fabric pieces 30 a and 30 d. Stitching 42acts as a hinge for the side panels 22 a and 22 d. The connections forthe three other pairs of adjacent edges may be identical.

[0040] Referring back to FIG. 1, an upper panel 32, which can be made offabric, may also be connected to the upper edge 26 d of each side panel22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d. Likewise, a lower panel 36, which can be madeof fabric 30 f, may also be connected to the bottom edge 26 b of eachside panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d. The upper panel 32 and the lowerpanel 36 can be made of the same type of fabric as the side panels 22 a,22 b, 22 c and 22 d. Each structure 20 can have at least the four sidepanels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d, with the upper and lower panels 32 and36 being optional.

[0041] Openings 38 may be provided in one or more of the panels 22 a, 22b, 22 c, 22 d, 32 and 36. These openings 38 may be of any shape (e.g.,triangular, circular, rectangular, square, diamond, etc.) and size andare designed, for example, to allow an individual to crawl through themto enter or to exit the structure 20.

[0042] Even though each panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d is illustrated ashaving four sides, it is possible to configure any of these panels withany shape having different number of sides, including sides that havevarying degrees of curvature. For purposes of the present invention, a“side” can have varying degrees of curvature and is not restricted tomerely a straight configuration. As a result, each side 26 a, 26 b, 26c, 26 d can be partially or completely curved. Thus, the structure 20 ofthe present invention may take a variety of external shapes. However,each side panel of the structure 20, regardless of its shape, issupported by at least one continuous frame member.

[0043] FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) describe the various steps for foldingand collapsing the structure 20 of FIG. 1 for storage. In FIG. 3(A), thefirst step consists of pushing in side panels 22 a and 22 d such thatside panel 22 d collapses against side panel 22 c and side panel 22 acollapses against side panel 22 b. Then, in the second step shown inFIG. 3(B), the two side panels 22 a and 22 b are folded so as to becollapsed upon the two side panels 22 c and 22 d to form a stack of sidepanels 22 b, 22 a, 22 d, 22 c (in one possible order). The structure isthen twisted and folded to collapse the frame members and side panelsinto a smaller shape. In the third step shown in FIG. 3(C), the oppositeborder 44 of the structure is folded in upon the previous fold tofurther collapse the frame members with the side panels. As shown inFIG. 3(D), the fourth step is to continue the collapsing so that theinitial size of the structure is reduced. FIG. 3(E) shows the fifth stepwith the frame members and side panels collapsed on each other toprovide for a small essentially compact configuration having a pluralityof concentric frame members and layers of the side panels so that thecollapsed structure has a size which is a fraction of the size of theinitial structure.

[0044] To re-open the structure 20 to its expanded configuration, thecombined stack of side panels is unfolded. The memory (i.e.,spring-load) of the frame members will cause the frame members to uncoilon their own and to quickly expand the panels to their expandedconfiguration shown in FIG. 3B. The same principle can be applied tore-open all the other embodiments of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 4 illustrates the structure 20 having numerous enhancementsand features incorporated therein. For example, the side panel 22 a canhave a three-dimensional design 50 (in the form of a graphic “A”) and alight bulb 52 attached to the outer surface of its fabric 30 a, the sidepanel 22 b can have an antenna 54 (e.g., a receiver) attached to theinner surface of its fabric 30 b, another antenna 56 (e.g., atransmitter) can be attached to a side 26 of the side panel 22 c, andthe side panel 22 d can have a video monitor or screen 58, a touchsensor 60, an on-off pad 62, and a speaker 64 attached to the outersurface of its fabric 30 d. The screen 58 can even include a very thinmicrocomputer. The components of a microcomputer are well-known in theart, and the microcomputer 58 can be any conventional microcomputerhaving a processor (not shown), a memory (not shown), input buttons 135(see FIG. 5) and a display 137 (see FIG. 5), among others, housed insidethe frame or housing of the microcomputer 58.

[0046] A number of these features, such as the light bulb 52, antennas54 and 56, screen 58, touch sensor 60, on-off pad 62, and speaker 64,are electrical appliances or components and need to be coupled to apower source to be driven, and may need to be coupled to processors forreceiving and/or transmitting control, data or other signals. Theseelectrical components can be attached to the fabric 30 of a side panel22 by either stitching, by screws and bolts (such as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 below), or any other known connection mechanisms,including those shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Wires can be coupled to theseelectrical components and power sources and processors for ensuring thetransmission of power and signals therebetween. Some examples of thesewires are illustrated in FIG. 4. Some of these wires can extend alongthe inner surfaces of the fabric 30 of any of the side panels 22, oralong the outer surfaces of the fabric 30 of any of the side panels 22.Openings can be provided in the fabric 30 to allow wires to pass from aninner surface to an outer surface of the fabric 30. Wire sleeves can beprovided on the fabric 30 or sides 26 of the panels 22 to house orretain portions of the wires. In addition, the wires can extend throughportions of the frame retaining sleeves 24 of the panels 22.

[0047] For example, a wire 66 can extend from an opening 68 in thefabric 30 a from the inner surface thereof and then through a sleeve 70attached (e.g., by stitching) to the outer surface of the fabric 30 a.The wire 66 then extends into the frame retaining sleeve 24 a of thepanel 22 a and then onward to other portions of the structure 20.Another wire 72 can extend from another opening 74 in the fabric 30 afrom the inner surface thereof and then over a top side 26 d of thepanel 22 b. Yet another wire 76 can extend from the antenna 54 along theinner surface of fabric 30 b through an opening 78 in the fabric 30 b tothe outer surface thereof. Another wire 80 can extend through anotheropening 82 in the fabric 30 b from the outer surface thereof and thenthrough an opening 84 in a sleeve 86 that is attached (e.g., bystitching) adjacent the sides or edges 26 c and 26 a of panels 22 b and22 c, respectively. The wire 80 can be a continuation of the wire 76.Yet another wire 88 can extend through an opening 90 in the fabric 30 dfrom the inner surface thereof and then through a short sleeve 92attached (e.g., by stitching) to the outer surface of the fabric 30 d.The wire 88 can then extend around to the outer surface of the panel 22c. The wire 88 can even be a continuation of the wire 66. Yet anotherwire 94 can extend from the interior of the structure 20 and under thepanel 22 d to travel through a sleeve 96 that is attached (e.g., bystitching) to the frame retaining sleeve 24 d along the bottom edge 26b. The wire 95 can then extend around to the outer surface of the panel22 c. Another wire 98 can extend through an opening 100 in the fabric 30c from the outer surface thereof and then through the sleeve 86 (via thetop of the sleeve 86) and out of an opening 102 in the sleeve 86. Thewire 98 can then extend over the top of the structure 20 and throughanother sleeve 104 that is attached (e.g., by stitching) to the frameretaining sleeve 24 a along the side or edge 26 a. The wire 98 can thenexit the lumen of the sleeve 104 and be coupled to the touch sensor 60.Here again, the wire 98 can be a continuation of wire 88. Yet anotherwire 106 can extend from inside the frame retaining sleeve 24 a alongthe side or edge 26 a to the outer surface of the fabric 30 a, fromwhich it goes through an opening 108 in the fabric 30 a to extend alongthe inner surface of fabric 30 a to re-emerge along the outer surfacethereof via another opening 110. The wire 106 can then extend along theouter surfaces of the panels 22 a, 22 b and 22 c, and can even be anextension of the wire 88 described above. Another wire 112 can extendfrom inside the frame retaining sleeve 24 d and along the side or edge26 d to the outer surface of the fabric 30 d, from which it goes throughan opening 114 in the fabric 30 d.

[0048] Selected wires can also be coupled to a phone jack or modem 116,a cable connection 118, and a power plug 120. For example, the wire 82can be coupled to the power plug 120.

[0049]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how a lightweight video monitor or screen58 can be attached to the fabric 30 of a side panel 22. As shown in FIG.6, two holes 130 (only one is shown in FIG. 6, the other is aligned withopening 136) can be provided in the fabric 30. The screen 58 has a frame134, with two openings 136 and 138 provided adjacent opposing sides ofthe frame 134 and aligned with the holes 130. A nut 140 can be threadedthrough each opening 136, 138 in the frame 134 and through thecorresponding hole 130, and a bolt 142 can be secured to the nut 140 tocomplete the connection. Another hole 144 can be provided in the fabric30 through which a cable or wire 146 can extend to the inner surface ofthe fabric 30.

[0050] The following is a non-limiting example illustrating how thestructure 20 and its enhancements might operate. The user can press theon/off switch 62 to start or enable all or certain electronic devices,such as the sensor 60, the screen 58, and the speaker 64. Some of thewires described above would be used to electronically couple the sensor60, the screen 58, and the speaker 64. For example, the wires 98, 88 and112 (in that order) can be used to couple the sensor 60 and the screen58, and other wires (not shown) provided along the inner surface of thefabric 30 d of side panel 22 d can be used to couple the on/off switch62, the screen 58 and the speaker 64. The user can manipulate the sensor60, or the buttons 135 (see FIG. 5) on the screen/computer 58, tocontrol the operation of an application program stored in the memory ofthe screen/computer 58 to control the sounds emitted from the speaker64. As another application or game, the user can manipulate the buttons135 on the screen to select pre-defined games. The games could directthe user(s) or children (via voices emitted from the speaker 64) toperform specific tasks, such as touch the sensor 60, squeeze an item 50,run around the structure 20, or perform any other specific task, in aspecific or random order. The variety and amusement value of thesecomputer-programmed games will depend on the items, devices and featuresprovided with the structure 20. The screen 58 can even be used todisplay the results of these games, which can be measured by, forexample, the sensor 60 or other sensors provided around the structure20.

[0051] As yet another example, these devices and features can providethe basis for educational games. For example, the speaker 64 canbroadcast tasks that require a child to do the broadcasted task severaltimes, and having the child count the number of times that the task hasbeen performed.

[0052] As a further non-limiting example, the antennas 54 and 56, screen58, touch sensor 60, on/off pad 62, and speaker 64 can even be thecomponents that make up an interactive computer system that is capableof communicating (via wireless transmission) with other computingsystems. Thus, the structure 20 can actually form an “interactive” or“computing” booth for a user, where the user can use the touch sensor 60and buttons 135 as input devices, and the screen 58 as an output device,for playing games, doing word processing, surfing the Internet, andcommunicating with other computing systems. Other objects and devicesthat can be incorporated with the structure 20 including cellularphones, microphones, musical instruments, radios, zippers, snaps,tethered balls, squeeze items, pinwheels or spinning wheels, sockets,slap items (i.e., items that emit sounds when slapped), buckles, corks,whistles, pedals, and doorbells, among others. Thus, the structure 20 inFIG. 4 provides the user with much added utility, educational value, andplay variety.

[0053]FIG. 7 illustrates modifications to the structure 20 shown in FIG.4. In particular, instead of the wires extending across one or more sidepanels 22 as shown in FIG. 4, the wires (e.g., 150) in the structure ofFIG. 7 can be retained inside sleeves (e.g., 152) that are attached toand extend along the sides or edges 26 of each side panel 22.

[0054]FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, inwhich the structure 20 is provided with a different type of enhancementor feature. In FIG. 8, the structure 20 has a plurality of graphics orother objects that are provided on the fabric 30 of the respective sidepanels 22, with these graphics and objects capable of emitting light orsound. These graphics can be two-dimensional. For example, a pluralityof graphics or objects 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, a speaker 170, and aprocessor 173 can be attached (e.g., by stitching, glue, screws, or thelike) to the fabric 30 of the different panels 22. Each object 160, 162,164, 166, 168 can include light-emitting diodes or other light emittingelements incorporated therein for emitting light. Such light emittingelements can be any of those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,734 toFerber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,037 to Ferber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,749 toFerber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,657 to Wiscombe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,948 toFerber et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,420 to Kaiserman et al., whosedisclosures are incorporated by this reference as though fully set forthherein.

[0055] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,734 to Ferber discloses onemethod for securing light emitting elements to circuit boards, one ofwhich is illustrated in FIG. 18. Each light emitting element 350includes an elongated tubular cover member or head 352 which is closedat one end and opened at the opposite end. A light emitting diode 354,such as those that are widely available in the art, is connected to anassociated circuit board 356, which is in turn fastened by any suitableor known mechanism to the open end of the tubular head 352, so that inthe assembled position, the diode 354 extends into the tubular head 352.The circuit board 356 is connected to a power source and/or electroniccontrol by a connector 358. Each light emitting element 350 extendsthrough an opening 362 in the fabric 30 of the panel 22, and the fabric30 is clipped or held between the tubular head 352 and the circuit board356. The outer surface of the tubular head 352 is threaded, so that athreaded nut 364 can engage the tubular head 352 to secure the tubularhead 352 to the fabric 30 and the circuit board 356, which acts as astop member.

[0056] Conductive paths 172 can be attached or otherwise provided on thefabric 30 for connecting each of these graphics 160, 162, 164, 166, 168,the speaker 170 and the processor 173 to a power supply via a power plug174. These conductive paths 172 can include the conductive lines,stripes, traces, compositions, inks, liquids, pastes, granules andcolored inks, and can utilize the electrical systems and attachmenttechniques, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,749 to Ferber, U.S. Pat.No. 5,371,657 to Wiscombe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,948 to Ferber et al., andU.S. Pat. No. 5,973,420 to Kaiserman et al., as well as those that areknown in the art. One non-limiting example of a material that can beused as a conductive ink is a material sold under the tradename 102-05Fby Creative Materials of Tyngsboro, Mass. Other materials are describedin one or more of U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,749 to Ferber, U.S. Pat. No.5,371,657 to Wiscombe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,948 to Ferber et al., andU.S. Pat. No. 5,973,420 to Kaiserman et al.

[0057] Thus, FIG. 8 illustrates the use of conductive paths as analternative to the use of conventional wiring illustrated in FIG. 4. Thestructure 20 in FIG. 8 can also be configured to be part of anothergame. For example, the numbered graphics 160, 162, 164 and 166 can becoupled (via the conductive paths and wiring) to the processor 173,which can control a game in which the different numbered graphics 160,162, 164 and 166 are made to light up at different times, in which achild is to follow the lighted graphics in (a) moving about the insideor outside of the structure 20, (b) recognizing and repeating thelighted number, and (c) adding the lighted number to the previous sum,among others. The speaker 170 can make announcements, emitcongratulatory praises, or emit any other desired sounds or music. Othervariations and themes for games utilizing numbered graphics are alsopossible (e.g., some of the concepts and game ideas described inconnection with FIG. 4 can even be incorporated), and can vary based onthe educational or other objective(s) that are intended to beaccomplished.

[0058]FIG. 9A illustrates another embodiment of the present invention,in which the structure 20 is provided with yet a different type ofenhancement or feature. In FIG. 9A, the structure 20 has a plurality ofpockets or spaces 180 that are attached to the fabric 30 of the sidepanels 22. Each of these pockets or spaces 180 can be made of the samematerial as the fabric 30, and can be provided in different shapes andsizes to hold or store different objects, which can include electronicdevices, three-dimensional toys or objects, or any of the other itemsand objects described above.

[0059] Each pocket 180 can be either permanently attached (e.g., viastitching), or removably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads), to the fabric30. Each pocket 180 can be oriented in a variety of different ways. Forexample, one pocket 180 a can be oriented with two side openings 182adjacent and parallel to the fabric 30 d, another pocket 180 b can beoriented with one top opening 184, and yet another pocket 180 c can beoriented with an outer side opening 186 that extends awayperpendicularly from the panel 22 d.

[0060]FIG. 9B illustrates alternative ways for coupling or attaching theseparate objects to the panels 22 a-22 d. For example, loops 320 can beprovided either on the fabric 30 a, 30 d or the sides 26 of the panels22 a and 22 d. The loops 320 are adapted to receive toggles 322 providedon a computer or screen 324. Thus, the computer or screen 324 can besuspended from the panel 22 a via the coupling of the toggles 322 incorresponding loops 320. Other objects can also be suspended or hung tothe panels 22 a-22 d by utilizing the loops 320. In addition, Velcro™pads 328 can be attached to the fabric 30 d of panel 22 d, and used tocouple Velcro™ pads attached to other objects.

[0061]FIG. 10 extends the principles of FIG. 9A to different structures.For example, the structure 190 in FIG. 10 has three panels 192, 194,196, each of which can have the same construction as any of the panels22. The three panels 192, 194, 196 are not connected to form an enclosedspace, and can be used as a partition. Pockets 198 having differentshapes and sizes can be attached to the fabric or edges of one or moreof these panels 192, 194, 196.

[0062]FIG. 11 extends the principles of FIG. 8 to different structures.For example, the structure 200 in FIG. 10 has two panels 202 and 204,each of which can have the same construction as any of the panels 22.The two panels 202, 204 are not connected to form an enclosed space, butare supported in an inverted-V shape. A plurality of graphics or otherobjects are provided on the fabric of the respective panels 202, 204,with these graphics and objects capable of emitting light or sound. Forexample, a plurality of graphics or objects 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 and216 can be attached to the fabric 218 of the panel 202. Conductive paths220 can be attached or otherwise provided on the fabric 218 forconnecting each of these graphics or objects to a power source 222(e.g., a battery pack). In addition, switches 224 and 226 can also becoupled to the conductive paths 220 for controlling the operation ofthese objects 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 and 216.

[0063] FIGS. 12-16 illustrate the principles of the present invention inconnection with a single panel. The single panel can have the sameconstruction as any of the panels 22 described above. For example, FIG.12 illustrates a single panel 230 having a three-dimensional object 232(such as a stuffed toy) stitched or otherwise attached to the fabric 234of the panel 230. FIG. 13 illustrates a single panel 240 having twoelectronic books 242, 244 attached (e.g., stitching, Velcro™, glue,loops, screws, and the like) to the fabric 246 of the panel 240, andhaving conductive paths 248 provided on the fabric 246 and connectingthe books 242, 244 to a power plug 250.

[0064] As a further example, FIG. 14 illustrates a single panel 260having a three-dimensional object 262 (such as a book) stitched orotherwise attached to the fabric 264 of the panel 260. FIGS. 15 and 16illustrate how such a three-dimensional object can be folded during thetwisting and folding of the panel 260. As shown in FIG. 15, the panel260 is folded in the same manner as any other panel, by twistingopposing sides 266, 268 of the panel 260 with the object 262 stillcarried by the fabric 264. During the subsequent folds that result fromthe twisting actions, the object 262 is nestled between adjacent layersof the folded fabric 264, as shown in FIG. 16. Therefore, as long as theobject 262 is not sized to be too large, it can be accomodated insidethe adjacent layers of the fabric 264 as the panel 260 is being twistedand folded to a smaller configuration. The steps illustrated in FIGS. 15and 16 can apply to FIGS. 12 and 13 as well.

[0065]FIG. 17 extends the principles of FIG. 4 to different structures.In FIG. 17, the structure 280 does not have separate panels 22, but isinstead made up of two crossing frame members 282, 284 that can be thesame as the frame member 28 described above. The frame members 282, 284cross at an apex A, and their respective ends are secured to the groundor surface, so as to form a domed or apexed configuration for thestructure 280. Fabric material 286 is stitched or otherwise attached tothe frame members 282, 284 to form an enclosing tent or structure. Frameretaining sleeves 288 and 290 can be stitched to the fabric 286 toretain the frame members 282 and 284, respectively. A number of graphicsand objects (passive and electrical), such as 292, can be attached tothe fabric 286, and coupled by wiring (e.g., 294) or conductive paths(e.g., 296) to each other and to other types of connectors, such aspersonal computer connectors 298 and power plugs 300.

[0066] The embodiments in FIGS. 19A and 20 illustrate a combination ofthe principles of the embodiments from FIGS. 8, 11 and 13. For example,the panel 400 in FIG. 19A can be provided with touch sensors or objects402 that are attached to the fabric 404 of the panel 400. Conductivewiring or paths 406 can be attached or otherwise provided on the fabric404 for connecting each of these touch sensors or objects 402 to a powersource 408 (e.g., a battery pack). A fabric covering 405 can be stitchedto the fabric 404 to cover the touch sensors or objects 402 and theconductive wiring or paths 406. The panel 400 can have any number ofsides or assume any shape or size.

[0067] The structure 420 in FIG. 20 illustrates a plurality (e.g.,three) of the panels 400 hingedly coupled together (such as according toone of the techniques of FIGS. 2A-2B) to form an L-shaped structure. Theconductive paths (such as 406 a) can extend from one panel 400 acrossthe hinged connections to another panel 400. Each panel 400, or thecombined structure 420, can form (a) a mat with the touch sensors 402and conductive paths defining a desired walking path, or (b) a gameboard with the touch sensors 402 defining touch pads for a touch game,among numerous possible uses. For example, FIG. 19B illustrates a panel400 x that is the same as the panel 400 (except for a different shapeand different positions for the touch sensors 402 x), in use by a child.As shown in FIG. 19B, the panel 400 x can be supported against a walland the child can use his or her hand to press selected touch sensors402 x. Alternatively, the panel 400 x can be placed flat on the groundand the child can use his or her feet to step on selected touch sensors402 x.

[0068] The principles of the present invention can be further extendedto other structures that are already known in the art. For example, FIG.21A illustrates a structure 430 that is almost identical to thestructure 140 shown and described in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,685to Zheng, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by thisreference as though fully set forth herein. The difference betweenstructure 430 in FIG. 21A and the structure 140 in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat.No. 6,032,685 is that touch sensors or objects 432 are attached to theouter and/or inner surfaces of the fabric 434 of the panels 440, 442,444, 446. Conductive wiring or paths 436 can be attached or otherwiseprovided on the fabric 434 for connecting each of these touch sensors orobjects 432. The structure 430 differs from that of structure 20 of FIG.1 in that each individual panel 440, 442, 444, 446 is hingedly coupledto an adjacent panel in a different way. In structure 430, the hingedcoupling is accomplished by crossing or overlapping the sides ofadjacent panels, which is illustrated in FIGS. 21B and 21C. FIGS. 21Band 21C correspond to FIGS. 1A and 3, respectively, of U.S. Pat. No.6,032,685, and illustrate the hinged coupling of the panels 442 and 444.

[0069] In particular, each pair of adjacent panels 442 and 444 isdefined by a separate resilient frame members 522 and 524, respectively,that together define the outer boundary of the overlapping panels 442and 444. Each frame member 522 and 524 can be the same as the framemember 28 c in FIGS. 1 and 1A, and are fitted within each other, andoverlap or cross-over each other at overlapping points 526 and 528. Theoverlapping point 526 is defined by the intersection or crossing of theupper edges 530 and 534 of frame members 522 and 524, respectively, andthe overlapping point 528 is defined by the intersection or crossing ofthe lower edges 532 and 536 of frame members 522 and 524, respectively.The overlapping points 526 and 528 can be positioned anywhere along theupper edge 530 or lower edge 532 of the frame member 522, and anywherealong the upper edge 534 or lower edge 536 of the frame member 524. Thetwo overlapping frame members 522 and 524 are pivotable about theiroverlapping points 526 and 528 between two positions, a first completelyopen position in which both frame members 522 and 524 lie flat in aboutthe same plane, and a second folded position in which the frame members522 and 524 are folded towards each other (such as in the direction ofarrows 570 a and 570 b in FIG. 21B) to overlie each other. Each framemember 522 and 524 is retained in a loop retaining portion of one ormore fabric pieces. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 B, two fabricpieces 434, one for each frame member 522 and 524. Each fabric piece 434covers (either partially or completely) and forms a panel 442 or 444within the respective frame member 522 or 524, and is preferably held intension with the frame member 522 or 524. The other details relating toadjacent overlapping panels are set forth in greater detail in thespecification and drawings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,685, and shall not berepeated herein.

[0070]FIG. 23 illustrates a collapsible structure 460 that is made up ofa single figure-eight frame member 450 shown in FIG. 22. FIGS. 22 and 23correspond to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, of U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,892 toNorman, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by this referenceas though fully set forth herein. The figure-eight configuration of theframe member 450 is characterized by a left loop 452 separated from aright loop 453 by a crossover point 454. Each loop 452 and 453 has astraight portion 455 for resting on a flat surface when the structure460 is in the configuration shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The frame member450 can be formed from any of the materials used for the frame members28 above. The figure-eight configuration shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 can beformed by a single 360 degree twist of the frame member 450.

[0071] The structure 460 has left and right frame retaining sleeves 462and 464, respectively, which retain the frame member 450. The sleeves462 and 464 also define straight portions 474 and 476, respectively, toretain the respective straight portions 455. Fabric 470 and 472 can bestitched or otherwise attached to the sleeves 462 and 464, respectively.Referring to FIG. 24, the structure 460 can be folded and collapsed bypushing or deforming straight portions 474, 476 towards each other. InFIG. 25, the two large loops 452 and 453 are deformed so that theyoverlie each other and crossover 478 is partly bent towards straightportion 476. In FIG. 26, crossover 478 is further bent towards straightportion 476, and then the steps in FIGS. 3D and 3E can be applied tocomplete the twisting and folding. FIGS. 24-26 correspond to FIGS. 5-7of U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,892.

[0072] In the structure 460 in FIG. 23, touch sensors or objects 480 areattached to the outer and/or inner surfaces of the fabric 470, 472.Conductive wiring or paths 482 can be attached or otherwise provided onthe fabric 470, 472 for connecting each of these touch sensors orobjects 480.

[0073]FIG. 27 illustrates a structure 600 that is almost identical tothe structure 20 shown and described in FIG. 1A of U.S. Pat. No.6,098,349 to Zheng, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated bythis reference as though fully set forth herein. The difference betweenstructure 600 in FIG. 27 and the structure 20 in FIG. 1A of U.S. Pat.No. 6,098,349 is that touch sensors or objects 680 are attached to theouter and/or inner surfaces of the fabric 624 of the panels 602, 604.Conductive wiring or paths 682 can be attached or otherwise provided onthe fabric 624 for connecting each of these touch sensors or objects680.

[0074] In particular, FIG. 27 illustrates a collapsible structure 600having two separate panels 602 and 604 that are coupled together to forman enclosed space 606. One panel 602 may be a base panel that is adaptedto have one side resting on a ground or surface, and the other panel 604may be a wall panel that spans and covers the enclosed space 606. Thepanel 602 has two opposing end edges 608 and 610, and two opposing sideedges 612 and 614 that are connected to the end edges 608 and 610 toform a generally four-sided configuration. The panel 604 also has twoopposing end edges 616 and 618, and two opposing side edges 620 and 622that are connected to the end edges 616 and 618 to form a generallyfour-sided configuration that has been bent to form a U-shapedconfiguration. The end edges 608 and 610 of the panel 602 are coupled tothe end edges 616 and 618, respectively, of the panel 604 via any numberof known methods. For example, the end edges 608 and 610 can be directlystitched to the end edges 616 and 618, respectively. Alternatively, theend edges 616 and 618 can be stitched to the fabric 624 of the basepanel 602 at locations offset from the end edges 608 and 610 of the basepanel 602. These alternatives are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.6,098,349. As yet a further alternative, two interconnecting fabricpieces 603 and 605 can be stitched to the end edges 608, 610 and 616,618 of the panels 602 and 604, respectively, as shown in FIG. 27.Although illustrated as being generally four-sided in nature, the panels602 and 604 can assume any configuration, such as circular, oval,rectangular, square, trapezoidal, or irregular.

[0075] As with the panels 22 described above, each panel 602, 604 has acontinuous frame retaining sleeve provided along and traversing theedges of its sides. A continuous frame member (which can be the same asframe member 28) is retained or held within each frame retaining sleeveto support the respective panel 602, 604. Fabric or sheet material 624(which can be the same as fabric 30) extends across each panel 602, 604and is held taut by the respective frame members when each panel is inits open position.

[0076] Thus, the flexible and coilable nature of the frame membersallows the wall panel 604 to be flexed so that its end edges 616 and 618can be positioned at or adjacent the end edges 608 and 610 of the basepanel 602. In this regard, the flexing of the wall panel 604 obviatesthe need to otherwise provide a plurality (e.g., at least three) ofseparate panels to enclose the space 606. The base panel 602 functionsto hold the wall panel 604 in its flexed configuration. The structure600 can be folded and collapsed by pushing the base panel 602 againstthe wall panel 604 to form one stack of panels 602, 604 that can betwisted and folded in accordance with the steps shown in FIGS. 3Cthrough 3E.

[0077]FIG. 28 illustrates a structure 660 that includes modificationsfrom the structure 600 of FIG. 27. For example, the base panel isomitted from FIG. 28, SO that the wall panel 662 is the only panel. Inplace of the base panel, a fabric or material 664 extends between andcouples the end edges 666, 668 to hold the wall panel 662 in its flexedconfiguration. Touch sensors or objects 670 are attached to the outerand/or inner surfaces of the fabric 672 of the panel 662, or the fabric664. Conductive wiring or paths 674 can be attached or otherwiseprovided on the fabric 672 or 664 for connecting each of these touchsensors or objects 670.

[0078]FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate another embodiment of the presentinvention, where a single panel 702 (which can be similar inconstruction as the panel 400 in FIG. 9A) is used as a keyboard 700. Thepanel 702 can have four sides 704, 706, 708, 710, and has a top surfaceof the fabric 712 having a plurality of touch sensors 714 that can bearranged to operate as the keys for a keyboard. For example, one of thetouch sensors 716 can even be elongated to function as a space bar.These touch sensors 714, 716 can be interconnected by conductive wiringor paths 718, some of which are shown in FIG. 29. A cable 720 can becoupled to one of the conductive paths 718, with the cable 720 carryinga plug 722 that is adapted to interface with a port from a personalcomputer. Referring to FIG. 30, the keyboard 700 can be twisted andfolded in the same manner as the other panels illustrated herein. Forexample, the opposite borders (e.g., sides 704 and 708) of the panel 702are folded in to collapse the frame member of the panel 702. Then, thesteps illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E can be used to complete the foldingof the panel 702 to a smaller configuration.

[0079] Thus, the embodiments of the present invention increase theapplications and use of the collapsible structures to provide the userwith an unlimited source and variety of fun and entertainment. Theenhancements and features allow numerous functions, operations, andgames to be utilized or played in connection with the collapsiblestructures, and significantly extends the useful applications of thebasic collapsible structure.

[0080] While the description above refers to particular embodiments ofthe present invention, it will be understood that many modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanyingclaims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within thetrue scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure, comprising: at least one foldableframe member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabricmaterial covering portions of the frame member to form at least onepanel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation; anelectrical component attached to the fabric material; and an electricalcoupling that is connected to the electrical component.
 2. The structureof claim 1 , wherein the electrical coupling includes at least oneconductive path.
 3. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the electricalcoupling includes at least one wire.
 4. The structure of claim 3 ,further including a sleeve attached to the panel for retaining a portionof the at least one wire.
 5. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the atleast one panel comprises four panels that are connected to form anenclosed space.
 6. The structure of claim 3 , further including a frameretaining sleeve for retaining the frame member.
 7. The structure ofclaim 6 , wherein a portion of the at least one wire is retained insidethe frame retaining sleeve.
 8. The structure of claim 1 , wherein theelectrical component is selected from a group consisting of: a videoscreen, a speaker, an antenna, a light bulb, a touch sensor, a lightingdevice, a switch, a book, a cellular phone, a microphone, a musicalinstrument, and a radio.
 9. The structure of claim 1 , wherein theelectrical component is a light emitting device that is coupled to thefabric.
 10. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the frame member istwisted and folded to its folded orientation reduce the overall size ofthe frame member.
 11. The structure of claim 1 , further includingattachment devices that attach the electrical component to the fabric.12. The structure of claim 11 , wherein the attachment device isstitching.
 13. The structure of claim 11 , wherein the attachmentdevices include a loop and toggle combination.
 14. The structure ofclaim 11 , wherein the attachment devices include opposing Velcro™ pads.15. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the electrical component is acomputer.
 16. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the electrical couplingis connected to a power supply.
 17. The structure of claim 1 , whereinthe at least one frame member is continuous and enclosed.
 18. Thestructure of claim 5 , wherein each of the four panels has a separateframe member.
 19. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the at least oneframe member comprises two frame members, each frame member having afirst end and a second end that are adapted to contact a surface, withthe two frame members overlapping each other.
 20. The structure of claim1 , wherein the at least one frame member defines a plurality ofseparate panels that are hingedly coupled to each other.
 21. Thestructure of claim 1 , wherein the each of the at least one frame memberdefines a separate panel with fabric material covering portions of therespective frame member, and with the fabric material of each panelcrossing the fabric material of an adjacent panel.
 22. The structure ofclaim 1 , wherein the at least one frame member is a frame member havinga figure-eight configuration when in the unfolded orientation, thefigure-eight configuration defining a first loop, a second loop, and acrossover that forms the apex of the frame member in the unfoldedorientation and with the first and second loops extending downwardlyfrom the apex, and wherein the fabric material covers portions of theframe member inside the first and second loops when the frame member isin the unfolded orientation.
 23. The structure of claim 1 , wherein theat least one frame member includes two frame members, a first framemember defining a first base panel having an outer periphery, and asecond frame member defining a second panel that is flexed, with thesecond panel having opposing first and second end edges that areattached to the first panel so that the first and second panels definean interior space.
 24. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the at leastone frame member has one frame member defining panel that is flexed,with the panel having opposing first and second end edges that areadapted to contact a surface so that the panel defines an interiorspace.
 25. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the electrical componentis a keypad, and the structure is a keyboard.
 26. A collapsiblestructure, comprising: at least one foldable frame member having afolded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material coveringportions of the frame member to form at least one panel when the framemember is in the unfolded orientation; a three-dimensional objectattached to the fabric material.
 27. The structure of claim 26 , whereinthe object is a pocket.
 28. The structure of claim 26 , wherein the atleast one frame member defines four panels that are connected to form anenclosed space.
 29. The structure of claim 26 , wherein the frame memberis twisted and folded to its folded orientation reduce the overall sizeof the frame member.
 30. The structure of claim 26 , further including aframe retaining sleeve for retaining the frame member.
 31. The structureof claim 26 , further including attachment devices that attach theobject to the fabric.
 32. The structure of claim 31 , wherein theattachment device is stitching.
 33. The structure of claim 31 , whereinthe attachment devices include a loop and toggle combination.
 34. Thestructure of claim 31 , wherein the attachment devices include opposingVelcro™ pads.
 35. The structure of claim 26 , wherein the at least oneframe member is continuous and enclosed.